Comprehensive telecommunications terminology reference
5G core network function responsible for connection and mobility management, authentication, and registration procedures.
Device that converts electrical signals to radio waves for transmission and vice versa for reception. Various types include omnidirectional, directional, and MIMO configurations.
Network connections linking base stations to the core network. Can use fiber optic cables, microwave links, or satellite connections.
Radio transceiver equipment that serves as the interface between mobile devices and the cellular network. Also called cell site, eNodeB (4G), or gNB (5G).
Technique using antenna arrays to focus radio signals in specific directions, improving signal quality and reducing interference.
Technology combining multiple frequency bands to increase bandwidth and data rates. Essential for LTE-Advanced and 5G performance.
Multiple access technique where users share the same frequency band using unique spreading codes. Used in 3G networks.
Geographic area covered by a base station. Networks divide coverage into cells to enable frequency reuse and manage capacity.
Central infrastructure managing authentication, session management, routing, and interconnection with external networks.
Method of bidirectional communication. FDD (Frequency Division Duplex) uses separate frequencies for uplink and downlink. TDD (Time Division Duplex) shares frequency using time slots.
Communication direction from base station to mobile device. Typically allocated more bandwidth than uplink due to asymmetric traffic patterns.
5G use case focused on high data rates for applications like video streaming, AR/VR, and high-definition content delivery.
4G LTE core network architecture with all-IP design. Includes MME, SGW, PGW, and HSS components.
2G enhancement providing data rates up to 384 Kbps using 8-PSK modulation. Bridge technology between 2G and 3G.
Duplex method using separate frequency bands for uplink and downlink transmission. Enables simultaneous bidirectional communication.
Small, low-power cellular base station for residential or small business use. Connects via broadband internet to operator network.
5G base station providing radio access to user equipment. Supports both sub-6 GHz and mmWave frequencies.
2G packet-switched data service providing always-on internet connectivity. Theoretical maximum 114 Kbps.
Second-generation digital cellular standard. Most widely deployed mobile technology worldwide with over 80% market share at peak.
Process of transferring active connection from one cell to another as mobile device moves. Critical for maintaining seamless connectivity.
3G enhancement providing improved data rates. HSPA+ supports up to 42 Mbps downlink and 11 Mbps uplink.
Technique where base stations coordinate resource allocation to minimize interference, especially for cell-edge users.
Unique identifier stored on SIM card used for subscriber authentication and identification in cellular networks.
Time delay between sending and receiving data. 5G targets 1ms latency for ultra-reliable low-latency communications.
4G cellular technology with all-IP architecture. Provides peak rates of 100 Mbps downlink and 50 Mbps uplink.
Protocol layer managing access to shared radio resources. Handles scheduling, resource allocation, and hybrid ARQ.
5G technology using large antenna arrays (64+ elements) for spatial multiplexing and beamforming. Significantly increases capacity.
Technology using multiple antennas at transmitter and receiver to improve performance through spatial diversity and multiplexing.
High-frequency spectrum (24-39 GHz) used for 5G. Provides extremely high bandwidth but limited range and penetration.
5G use case supporting massive numbers of IoT devices with minimal power consumption and low data rates.
Process of encoding information onto carrier wave. Higher-order modulation (256-QAM) increases data rates but requires better signal quality.
5G capability to create multiple virtual networks on shared infrastructure, each optimized for specific use cases and requirements.
5G air interface standard supporting frequencies from 600 MHz to 39 GHz with flexible numerology and advanced features.
Multiple access technique dividing spectrum into orthogonal subcarriers. Used in 4G LTE and 5G NR downlink.
Protocol layer handling IP header compression, encryption, and integrity protection in LTE and 5G networks.
Small cell with coverage range of 100-200 meters. Used for capacity enhancement in indoor and outdoor environments.
Modulation scheme encoding data in amplitude and phase. 256-QAM provides high spectral efficiency in good signal conditions.
Mechanisms ensuring network performance meets requirements for different traffic types. Parameters include bandwidth, latency, and packet loss.
Network infrastructure between mobile devices and core network. Includes base stations and radio controllers.
Protocol layer providing segmentation, reassembly, and retransmission of data packets over radio interface.
Control protocol managing radio resources, mobility, and connection establishment between UE and network.
Portion of cell coverage, typically 120 degrees. Standard cell site uses three sectors for 360-degree coverage.
Smart card storing subscriber identity, authentication keys, and network information. eSIM provides embedded digital alternative.
Low-power base station with limited coverage range. Includes femtocells, picocells, and microcells for capacity enhancement.
Range of radio frequencies used for wireless communication. Licensed spectrum allocated by regulatory authorities to operators.
Duplex method sharing single frequency band between uplink and downlink using time slots. Enables flexible resource allocation.
Multiple access technique dividing channel into time slots. Each user assigned specific time slots for transmission.
Actual data transfer rate achieved in network. Lower than theoretical peak rate due to overhead, interference, and protocol efficiency.
Mobile device with radio transceiver connecting to cellular network. Includes smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices.
3G cellular technology using WCDMA radio access. Provides data rates up to 2 Mbps with enhanced versions reaching 42 Mbps.
Communication direction from mobile device to base station. Typically allocated less bandwidth than downlink.
5G core network function handling user data forwarding, routing, and quality of service enforcement.
5G use case providing 1ms latency and 99.999% reliability for mission-critical applications like autonomous vehicles.
Technology enabling voice calls over 4G LTE networks using IP packets. Provides HD voice quality and faster call setup.
3G radio access technology using 5 MHz channel bandwidth. Enables simultaneous voice and data transmission.
